Newbies in the Cafe

Have you ever had the cafe dream? To leave your stressful career behind and be your own boss? To spend your days playing host, enjoying endless cups of coffee, and meeting new people, just like one big, happy, coffee-loving family?

A surprising number of people, from all walks of life, aspire to own a cafe and live the dream. But what happens when they wake up and discover reality?

In Newbies in the Cafe, I examine the pros and cons of cafe ownership in Australia and share the lessons I learned from my own experience.

Newbies in the Cafe includes 11 case studies from cafe newbies, facts about business plans and financial targets, and comprehensive, practical advice for anyone who is considering starting or buying a cafe. It’s the book I wish I’d had in 2016, before I opened The Letter Lounge Cafe & Gifts.

Buy e-book now from Amazon or Google – $9.99

Buy hard copy book now from my shop – $24.99

Praise for Newbies in the Cafe

‘… a must for all to read BEFORE they enter the world of cafe ownership so that they will move into it with their eyes wide open.’ Phillip Di Bella, Di Bella Group

‘Reading this book is like having brutally honest conversations with 11 cafe owners. … Each story is so engaging; you feel you’re on the journey already – learning what working in a cafe is really like, empowered to make informed decisions about your own cafe.’ Christine Cottrell, Author of the Barista Bible and Trending Cafes Brisbane & Beyond

‘One of the greatest factors that affects success in this industry is support. This book not only provides this from examples of people in the industry today, but is extremely easy to digest, gives professional insight and guidance – for the newcomer right through to the elite.’ Joshua Clifton, Author of The Hospitality Survival Guide

‘Finally, a “warts and all” work to counter the fable that’s sold as … The Cafe Dream.’ Simon O’Brien, Kickstart Coffee Shop

Buy e-book now from Amazon or Google – $9.99

Buy hard copy book now from my shop – $24.99

Book launch – 19 February 2020

Thanks to all the people who turned out for the launch of Newbies in the Cafe on Wednesday 19 February 2020 at Avid Reader Bookshop in Brisbane’s West End. It was exciting to be surrounded by friends and colleagues – including many we met through the cafe – to celebrate finishing this book. Special thanks to Alex Milosovic and Anne Roussac-Hoyne who joined me at the launch. You can read their cafe stories (alongside mine!) in the book.